Excitement builds ahead of City of Culture opening concert

Mayor of Derry City Council. Councillor Kevin Campbell, has said that he is greatly looking forward to attending the first major concert as part of the City of Culture year.

Organised by BBC Northern Ireland, the Sons and Daughters concert is set to bring some of the city’s biggest stars together in a stellar homecoming performance this Sunday, 20th January.

Taking place at The Venue in Ebrington, the official opening event for the City of Culture includes a fantastic line up featuring Neil Hannon, Phil Coulter, Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol, and Nadine Coyle. They join Phil Coulter, The Undertones, Paul Brady, Damian McGinty, Gerard McChrystal, Amanda Burton, Dana, The Priests, Eva Birthistle, Codetta Choir and James Nesbitt. Also confirmed are SOAK, Mairead Carlin, The Wonder Villains, Best Boy Grip and Maeve McGinley.

Speaking ahead of the concert, the Mayor said,

“What an incredible line up. It truly is amazing when you look at this line up and realise that they all either hail from this wonderful city or have close connections to Derry.

“The interest in this concert was immense. I believe that over 11000 people applied for the 2000 tickets. However I know there are a lot of disappointed people who will be delighted to hear that the concert will be available to view live on the BBC from 8pm by pressing the red button on your TV remote and searching for ‘Sons and Daughters’. The concert will also be aired live on both BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 7.30pm. BBC1 NI will also screen edited highlights of the concert next Saturday 26th January on BBC One Northern Ireland at 10.30pm.”

“I would like to congratulate organisers on pulling together a wonderful line up of guests. I know that everyone attending the event will experience a truly special and enjoyable evening.”